City near Tokyo OKs survey for possible selection as nuclear waste site

Mito, a city in Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo, has approved a preliminary survey to assess its suitability as a potential site for storing highly radioactive waste, the mayor announced on Wednesday. Hitachiomiya, an inland city with a population of around 35,000, will become Japan's fifth location to undertake such a survey. This marks the beginning of a three-stage process that could take approximately 20 years to complete.

Mayor Sadayuki Suzuki gave the go-ahead at a press conference, marking the first stage of the selection process. The preliminary survey, which will involve evaluating factors such as land erosion using geological data from maps and academic papers, is expected to last around two years. Municipalities that agree to participate in the survey can receive up to 2 billion yen ($13 million) in subsidies.

Initially, the mayor delayed his decision due to concerns over potential reputational damage and requests for clarification from experts. At a city assembly meeting on September 18, Suzuki expressed a desire to confirm the government's stance before making a final decision. After meeting with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa in Tokyo on Tuesday, Suzuki stated that the concerns regarding reputational damage had largely been addressed.

The disposal of nuclear waste involves solidifying liquid waste, which is generated during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, into glass and then burying it more than 300 meters underground. Due to the high levels of radiation emitted by such waste, it must remain isolated from human populations for tens of thousands of years.